In recent years, Hollywood has taken over Massachusetts. Boston is becoming the “it” filming destination for blockbuster hits like “Ted,” “Grown Ups,” “Moneyball,” and “The Heat.”

Just as it hosts big-budget films, Massachusetts serves as a temporary home to the film’s big stars. The biggest include Adam Sandler, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Cameron Diaz. This fall, locals once again have the opportunity to see their city on the big screen with the highly anticipated Boston-based film, “Black Mass.”

The movie, based off of the book “Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and the Devil’s Deal,” by Dick Lehr, tells the story of one of New England’s most notorious criminals, James “Whitey” Bulger, and his role as the mastermind behind countless gang related crimes, including murder, in the 1970s and 1980s.

“Black Mass” director and producer, Scott Cooper, made sure the motion picture featured a star-studded cast. Golden Globe winner, Johnny Depp, takes on the role of Whitey Bulger. Depp is joined by Benedict Cumberbatch (as William “Billy” Bulger) and Kevin Bacon (as Charles McGuire), two of Hollywood’s most popular actors, in the film.

Depp is known for stepping into costume for his characters, like Captain Jack Sparrow or Willy Wonka, and Bulger is no different. Depp wears layers of makeup and fake hair to transform into the crime boss.

Filming started in May 2014 and its location was in close proximity to Lasell. The big name actors of “Black Mass” filmed in Copley Square as well as restaurants, shops, and schools in Quincy, East Boston, and Dorchester.

Hundreds of local moviegoers got the chance to taste the Hollywood spotlight as the film held a Boston premiere at Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline on September 15.

The cast of the film, including Depp, returned to Boston in order to attend the screening. Media and fans filled the street to catch a glimpse of the actors as they walked the red carpet before the viewing commenced.

Those who were not able to attend the Boston premiere now have the chance to see the motion picture, playing in theaters across the country. Skip the history lesson and hit your local movie theater for a fresh take on Boston’s most notorious crime boss.

According to Ty Burr, of “The Boston Globe,” “Bulger is a son of Boston, and moviegoers here will react differently to Scott Cooper’s film than they will in Seattle, Dallas, or Dubuque.” The movie hits home for a lot of Bostonians. Burr calls it a “stellar crime drama” and is worth seeing.